McCormack appointed small business minister; COSBOA, ARA concerned portfolio omitted from cabinet

Nationals MP Michael McCormack was sworn in as the federal small business minister on 19 July, replacing Liberal MP Kelly O’Dwyer in the position.

O’Dwyer was appointed to the role in September last year. McCormack is the ninth person to hold the position in as many years.

The Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) welcomed the announcement of the new minister but ‘stressed its concern that the small business portfolio has moved from cabinet’.

‘Mr McCormack has the confidence of the sector, however we are disappointed the portfolio has moved from cabinet and we will be seeking answers to why this has happened,’ said COSBOA CEO Peter Strong. ‘In our opinion this is a step backwards for small business.’

Australian Retailers’ Association CEO Russell Zimmerman told InDaily that moving the portfolio outside cabinet ‘does not augur well’ given its role in the economy. ‘The exclusion of small business, at a point when the economy needs business the most, is a step backwards,’ said Zimmerman. ‘We can only hope that Mr McCormack is able to make the voice of small business heard.’

Category: Local news